Gaijin Entertainment’s free-to-play dogfighting title War Thunder is now available on PlayStation 4. Following in the footsteps of Warframe and Blacklight Retribution, Gaijin will be offering something special for PlayStation Plus members.

Beginning July 1, those with an active membership will receive a special aircraft with a bit of history. The P-36A that Plus members can fly is modeled after that flown by 2nd Lieutenant Philip Rasmussen.

Rasmussen earned a Silver Star defending Pearl Harbor from the surprise Japanese attack on December 7, 1941 (apparently still wearing his purple silk pajamas from being woken up so suddenly).

He survived the battle, though his plane took approximately 500 hits. Two 20mm shells and a number of machine gun rounds hit the radio behind his seat, saving his life.

Expect to see a number of these P-36As flying next week. The title is cross-platform with PC, so don’t be surprised to run into some aces as you soar the skies.

Our TakeI like the concept of the PlayStation Plus starter packs as an incentive to get players to try something new (and free). I’m also pleased that Gaijin provided the history of the craft, as it makes its inclusion in the game that much more meaningful.